Fortune on the up at Bolton

Sam Allardyce, the Bolton manager, believes he can restore Quinton Fortune's form and fitness in the months ahead.

The South African midfielder was released in the summer by Manchester United after failing to play a senior match last season because of a knee injury. But Fortune has now secured a one-year contract with Bolton after being involved in two matches in four days following several weeks of hard training.

Allardyce stepped in after Celtic and Manchester City decided against offering him a contract, apparently because of concerns about Fortune's fitness. The Bolton manager has a good track record of reviving players' careers, with the form shown by Kevin Davies and Ivan Campo at the Reebok Stadium underlining his motivational skills.

"Quinton is a player I have admired for a very long time," Allardyce said. "He is a quality performer with plenty of Premier League experience and he can play in a number of positions. He will be a very welcome addition to our squad."

Fortune's time at Old Trafford was dogged by injury problems. The former Atletico Madrid player can operate either in central midfield or on the left-hand side and also played at left-back during his seven years at United.